This is a really good idea!

1) You're assuming that these units on the ground are going to cover tremendous stretches of road to have such a negative impact on fuel economy. What about a half mile stretch on major beltways around cities like NYC, Philadelphia, DC? And do you really think that for the half mile stretch that if something like this exists, the margin by which the fuel economy decreases will be enough to deter people from the idea? 2) What if something like this was able to reduce energy costs so much that it took pressure off of oil prices? So now people might be getting .0001% "worse" fuel economy, but they're saving $15-20 at the pump because the demand for oil is weaker AND they're helping to lower local communities' energy costs.

Thanks for pointing that out. What about energy that is lost in the form of heat and cracks in the road? How much energy is lost on the concrete/asphalt with near 2 tons of metal & rubber running over it at 65 mph? What about the potential of energy of a car on a downhill slope? Can you show me some calculations regarding fuel to electricity cost? Are you saying that if it takes $4.00 in gasoline to move a car from point A to point B, it will take $0.80 in electricity to move that same vehicle from point A to point B? So if I use $1.00 in fuel to run over a plate, it's costing $5.00 to make the electricity being input to a local community? How so? You have to help me understand how this is completely useless. The intent is create enough energy by alternate means so that it has an impact on people's consumption for oil/petrol products. Let's say something like this is installed in major cities and within 2 years the price of oil drops from $120/barrel to $95/barrel. Is this change in price (and hence decrease in price/gallon) not enough to offset the cost (you must admit, it is not a huge cost to "run" over these plates) of producing this electricity? Again, are you saying if I use $1.00 worth of gasoline to run over the plate, I am outputting $0.20 worth of electricity to the powergrid? You originally said this was "workable." How would you make it work?

I like the general concept. I imagine this more practical by diverting traffic over bridges specially designed to absorb/magnify this energy concept.

Ok, perhaps this is the wrong page to be discussing this on as this is a different mechanism...

Chicago is definitely cloudy most of the year....We also get "extra" lake effect snow beyond the normal forecast. Chicago needs hybrid systems that can endure 100 degree summers and -5 degree winters

My group advocates for the use of Green Energy, but I'm not the expert in all things technical. Back to the top....Perhaps "traffic energy" would be more suited for electric vehicles.

Obviously, this idea would have to be implemented in places with the most traffic, fortunately,that's a very long list. Secondly, pioneering a radical idea like this starts as a symbol of inspiration. You build it and tomorrows next generation of engineers will improve it...

Okay...2 thoughts.....First, maybe this should work more like automobile pistons.......... Second, perhaps this technology should be hybrid, coupled with another system.

I support solar energy. I have an organization called Solaready Nfp ( www.solaready.org ). The problem I have with solar energy, living in Chicago, is the snow cover and limited exposure... Also, wind turbines tend to freeze ... We need alternatives ...

I believe this...especially when it comes to Green Energy...We have to implement it everywhere in everything, responsibly. That doesn't mean putting a windmill in someones back yard, but does mean solar panels, roof top gardens and so forth, wherever they can fit responsibly. This expensive road or bridge doesn't have to produce alot of energy, just make it BEAUTIFUL and the fact that it produces energy improves our future.

Chicago gets about 80% as much sunlight as Miami. I favor bridges more for this road technology because of more space for the mechanics and a slope for the run-off.

3 to 1 Chicago Bulls :) ....If you want to talk solar panels email me e_lynon@solaready.org

I dont know to much about what you are talking about but i can see that rebuilding roads like this would be ridiculous as there are already roads and it would cost way to much and will be way to time consuming in my opinion BUT maybe incorporate that idea into the tyres/wheels of the car so that people can just get them once they need to replace their old ones (almost everyone buy's new tyres or wheels)

great idea. it reminded me of the 'shake flash lights' (http://bit.ly/oo9wyO). If you want to do a proof of concept, I would buy a few of these flash lights, stack them in a box, wire them in series configuration, and mount the box on some springs. Measure the electrical energy you can get out of it by giving it an input and letting it oscillate.

You know, this would be a great idea if it's done right. Not sure of the logistics of it all, but the billions of cars on the roads would make for ample energy production for sure. The big question is: would the money/energy it would cost to implement such a system out-weigh the value of it?

If this could work it would be amazing! I'm new here. What do you think about my idea? http://www.ahhha.com/ct/ct_a_view_idea.bix?c=0C47ED00-A571-4110-B9CB-97EA1D221284&idea_id=BD37DB8A-402C-4096-8E33-6419D7BD70BC

I thought of adding wind mills to the sides of highways and undersides of bridges, to capture the movement of rush hour. Talked to an energy guy and he explained that it would be far more costly in terms of installation and maintenance, as compared to a large, single unit. Magnitude of scale.